Guides Moana, Carolyn and Christian off the beaten path

1 – MENORCA’S CAMI DE CAVALLS:

The Cami de Cavalls is an ancient horse trail that circumnavigates the island of Menorca, the Balearics’ second largest island after Mallorca. This island is vastly different than Mallorca, though, with green farmland and undulating hills instead of mountains. The 185km trail is literally the trail the knights walked to protect the island (I love that part!), and is dotted with idyllic beaches and coves (the island has 365+ beaches, and the water couldn’t be a brighter turquoise!), historic sites, charming towns, and beautiful vistas—with little elevation gain. There are also some amazing new converted farmhouses and hotels to stay in along the way.

TOP ACCOMMODATION: Faustino Gran, Cristine Bedfor, Son Vell and Torralbenc to name a few.

2 – SPAIN/FRANCE’S THE FRENCH WAY:

We’ve crafted countless trips on the Caminos (there are many routes!) but the final 165 kilometers of the French Way is probably one of the most spectacular sections of this Camino de Santiago trail. You traverse Spain’s Basque country and Navarra region before crossing the Pyrenées into France. The route offers beautiful landscapes, a mix of easier and more challenging terrain, and the chance to pass through multiple charming villages and cities.

TOP ACCOMMODATION: A Quinta da Auga (Relais & Chateau) outside of Santiago de Compostela, Gran Hotel La Perla in Pamplona, NH Plaza Mayor in Leon

3 – AUSTRIA’S SALZALPENSTEIG:

The SalzAlpenSteig trail stretches 230km between Austria and Germany. Our favorite section of the trail is through Austria’s UNESCO World Heritage Salzkammergut region, over dramatic mountains, alongside pristine lakes, and through thick forests and charming villages. It’s the most fun to do in fall so that you can finish at Octoberfest. 

TOP ACCOMMODATION: Landhaus Koller & Doellerer

4 – TUSCANY’S VIA FRANCIGENA:

Like the Camino, Via Francigena is a historic and religious pilgrimage route. It stretches from Canterbury, England through France and Switzerland, and finishes in Rome, Italy. The 102 km trail between San Miniato and Siena takes you through the heart of Tuscany, across rolling hills and vineyards, through hilltop villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and directly to numerous delicious food venues!

TOP ACCOMMODATION: Grand Hotel Continental Siena, Belmond’s Castello di Casole,  Villa Petriolo near Lucca, Castelfalfi Hotel,

5 – MALLORCA’S GR221:

The GR221 Ruta de Pedra en Sec or Dry Stone Route is Mallorca’s most iconic hiking trail, and arguably the most scenic on the island. In eight days, you can traverse approximately 93.5kms along the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountain Range—enjoying charming towns, olive terraces, citrus groves, Mediterranean pine and oak forest, and dramatic coastline. Some of the trails were built by the Arabs between 902 and the 1220’s, while others were used to access 16th century watchtowers integral to protect against pirates, and some sections were even used by smugglers as late as the 1920’s.

TOP ACCOMMODATION: Gran Hotel Son Net, La Residencia, Jumeirah Port Soller, Son Brull

A FEW MORE FOR GOOD MEASURE:

PORTUGAL’s VIA ALGARVIANA

• Crosses the entire Algarve through charming villages, mountains, cork tree farms, coastline and more! Very scenic and authentic Portugal.
• TOP ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Vila Vita Parc, Bela Vista, Octant Vila Monte, Grand House

CORSICA’S TRAILS

• There are so many scenic trails in Corsica, from its challenging GR20 long distance running along the mountain ridge running from North to South (I DON’T UNDERSTAND…?), to more accessible hiking along the coast and in the mountains. Imagine sweeping views at every turn, charming villages, four distinct microclimates, and a chance to experience the island’s deep rooted culture and breathtaking landscape. Carolyn just explored the island – and loved!
• TOP ACCOMMODATION: Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa & Hotel Calvi

ITALY’S PORTOFINO TO CINQUE TERRE

• Hike the iconic Italian Riviera from Portofino through the Cinque Terre’s World Heritage Coastline, passing through five vibrant villages, along rugged coastline, historic seaside towns, vineyards, forest and sweeping coastal views.
• TOP ACCOMMODATION: Belmond Splendido & Hotel Villa Erdera

ENGLAND’S LAKE DISTRICT

• Known for its majestic peaks and home to famous writers such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, this region offers strenuous hikes as well as superb countryside walks, wending through villages and those requisite refueling spots  along the way…pubs!
• TOP ACCOMMODATION: The Samling & The Drunken Duck